Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hardin County, Iowa
Hardin County has a HUD fair market rent of $927 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $795 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $17.83 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $927
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% less than in Iowa
- Typical rent
- $795
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 18% less than in Iowa
- Wage needed
- $17.83
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,080 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Iowa
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Hardin County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $688 | $13.23 | $27,520 |
| 1 bedroom | $709 | $13.63 | $28,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $927 | $17.83 | $37,080 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,196 | $23.00 | $47,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,335 | $25.67 | $53,400 |
HUD area: Hardin County, IA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 24 ZIP codes in Hardin County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 50006 to $1,040 in 50230. 24 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($927).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 50006 | Franklin County, IA | $690 | $720 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50006 | Hamilton County, IA | $690 | $720 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,390 |
| 50006 | Hardin County, IA | $690 | $720 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,390 |
| 50006 | Wright County, IA | $690 | $720 | $930 | $1,190 | $1,390 |
| 50102 | Hardin County, IA | $690 | $710 | $930 | $1,180 | $1,310 |
| 50122 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50122 | Hardin County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50126 | Franklin County, IA | $750 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,460 |
| 50126 | Hardin County, IA | $750 | $770 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,460 |
| 50206 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50206 | Hardin County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50206 | Marshall County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50230 | Ames, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50230 | Hamilton County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50230 | Hardin County, IA | $880 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,450 | $1,750 |
| 50258 | Hardin County, IA | $690 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50258 | Marshall County, IA | $690 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50258 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $690 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50269 | Hardin County, IA | $690 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50269 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $690 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50627 | Hardin County, IA | $700 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50627 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $700 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50672 | Hardin County, IA | $690 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
| 50672 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $690 | $730 | $950 | $1,230 | $1,590 |
- 50006 · Franklin County, IA $930$1,190
- 50006 · Hamilton County, IA $930$1,190
- 50006 · Hardin County, IA $930$1,190
- 50006 · Wright County, IA $930$1,190
- 50102 · Hardin County, IA $930$1,180
- 50122 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50122 · Hardin County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50126 · Franklin County, IA $1,010$1,300
- 50126 · Hardin County, IA $1,010$1,300
- 50206 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50206 · Hardin County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50206 · Marshall County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50230 · Ames, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50230 · Hamilton County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50230 · Hardin County, IA $1,040$1,450
- 50258 · Hardin County, IA $950$1,230
- 50258 · Marshall County, IA $950$1,230
- 50258 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $950$1,230
- 50269 · Hardin County, IA $950$1,230
- 50269 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $950$1,230
- 50627 · Hardin County, IA $950$1,230
- 50627 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $950$1,230
- 50672 · Hardin County, IA $950$1,230
- 50672 · Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $950$1,230
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hardin County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,861 households rent in Hardin County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 20%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hardin 42%
- Iowa 44%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hardin County
HUD lists 3 properties with homes for low-income households in Hardin County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC). They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 3
72 homes in all; 72 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Pheasant Run Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1430 Georgetown Rd, Iowa Falls 50126 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families
- Marion Manor I Tax credit (LIHTC) 224 Marion Dr, Iowa Falls 50126 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Marion Manor II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1228 N Fremont St, Iowa Falls 50126 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2012 · For families
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Hardin County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Hardin County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,800 | $32,950 | $52,750 |
| 2 people | $22,600 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,350 | $67,800 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,050 | $75,300 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,850 | $81,350 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $54,600 | $87,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $58,350 | $93,400 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,150 | $99,400 |
Area median income: $90,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Hardin County, IA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $619 – $757
- 1 bedroom $638 – $780
- 2 bedrooms $834 – $1,020
- 3 bedrooms $1,076 – $1,316
- 4 bedrooms $1,202 – $1,469
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Hardin County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in Iowa
What Iowa law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Iowa Code §562A.12(1)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- Iowa Code §562A.12(3)(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 3 days
- Iowa Code §562A.27(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Iowa Code §562A.34(2)
- Only a court order can remove youIowa Code §562A.33
- Repair and deduct from the rentIowa Code §562A.27(4)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Hardin County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Family Management Financial Solutions, Inc.
2310 Falls Ave Ste 4, Waterloo · 45 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
CCCS of Rochester-Northeastern Iowa
1003 W 4th St, Waterloo · 46 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (home, Inc.)
1618 6th Ave, Des Moines · 58 miles away · Spanish
- Home improvement and repairs
- Homelessness services
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Hardin County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Iowa, the average home bill was $112 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$1,854
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $927
- Security deposit
- $927
- Total
- $1,854
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Hardin County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $688; 1 bedroom: $709; 2 bedrooms: $927; 3 bedrooms: $1,196; 4 bedrooms: $1,335. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hardin County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($927) without spending more than 30% of income takes $17.83 an hour full time, or $37,080 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hardin County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,050 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Hardin County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $834 and $1,020 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hardin County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $930 in 50006 to $1,040 in 50230. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Hardin County?
HUD lists 3 properties with homes for low-income households in Hardin County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC). They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Hardin County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hardin County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Iowa, 44%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).